Dr. Richard Thomas, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
63 procedures 2 hospitals MacOn, GA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Growing Volume

Contact & Location

Phone: 478-745-4206
Practice phone listed in the NPI registry
3708 Northside Dr
MacOn, GA 31210
NPI: 1811942592
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety, all under $50
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 39 vs 45 avg (6,599 surgeons)
Shoulder 24 vs 29 avg (2,213 surgeons)

Dr. Richard Thomas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in MacOn, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Thomas has performed 39 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#69 in Georgia) and 24 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 63 procedures.

In Georgia, Dr. Thomas performs near average in knee (39 vs 40 avg), near average in shoulder (24 vs 24 avg).

Dr. Thomas's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (39 cases) and shoulder replacements (24 cases).

Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Thomas holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

MacOn is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the MacOn area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Thomas extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 22 to 63 in the most recent data, a 186% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Thomas's 39 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
39 verified cases
#69 in Georgia
Shoulder Replacement
24 verified cases
#23 in Georgia
Estimated total: 170 – 190 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
How is this estimated?

Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.

How Dr. Thomas Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.

Knee Average
39 Avg: 40
Shoulder Average
24 Avg: 24
Dr. Thomas Georgia Average

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Thomas's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 186% from 22 procedures in 2013 to 63 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 12
2024 Volume 63
Peak Volume 73 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center
2/5
Macon, GA
Similar to national avg
H
Navicent Health Baldwin
1/5
Milledgeville, GA
Low case volume

Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.

Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Thomas

How does Dr. Thomas's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?

Dr. Thomas has performed 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thomas ranks #72 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thomas perform?

Dr. Thomas's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases) and shoulder replacement (24 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thomas in MacOn?

Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in MacOn in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Georgia surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thomas represent?

The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Thomas's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 63 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Thomas's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Thomas's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 22 procedures in 2013 to 63 in the most recent data, a 186% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 73 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Thomas perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Thomas's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases), shoulder replacement (24 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Thomas affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thomas is affiliated with Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, Navicent Health Baldwin.

How does Dr. Thomas compare to other orthopedic surgeons in MacOn?

Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in MacOn, Dr. Thomas ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in MacOn has 102 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thomas practices?

Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Navicent Health Baldwin (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in MacOn, Georgia

Dr. Thomas's 63 Medicare procedures are above the MacOn average of 57. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in MacOn.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Robert Thornsberry 102 Hip, Knee
Dr. Wood Pope 71 Hip, Knee
Dr. Timothy Stapleton 68 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Dennis Jorgensen 54 Hip, Knee
Dr. Joseph Slappey 31 Knee
Dr. William Barnes 12 Knee

Patient Resources & Verification

Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:

Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Richard Thomas, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ga/dr-richard-thomas-macon.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ga/dr-richard-thomas-macon.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.